Community

RSPCA Cymru reflects on a challenging and pivotal year for animal welfare in Wales

Published

2 months ago

December 31, 2025

RSPCA CYMRU has looked back on a demanding year for animal welfare in Wales, marked by rising abandonment and neglect cases alongside major political and legislative developments.

For more than 200 years, the RSPCA has worked to bring animals to safety, and 2025 proved to be another relentless year for frontline officers, inspectors, volunteers and animal centres across Wales.

From emergency rescues and welfare investigations to rehabilitation and rehoming, teams across the country responded to an unrelenting demand for help, with animal welfare charities warning of a growing crisis.

One significant development during the year was progress made in the Senedd towards a ban on greyhound racing in Wales. The RSPCA, alongside its Cut the Chase coalition partners, says it will continue to work with Members of the Senedd as the proposed legislation moves forward in 2026.

With the Senedd election also approaching in May 2026, the charity says the coming year will be critical. RSPCA Cymru is seeking to influence political party manifestos to ensure animal welfare commitments remain firmly on the agenda.

Wales leads UK in animal compassion

Despite the challenges, new data published in 2025 showed Wales leading the UK in public concern for animals.

The RSPCA’s Animal Kindness Index found that 75 per cent of people in Wales describe themselves as animal lovers — the highest proportion of any UK nation. This compares with 72 per cent in Scotland, 70 per cent in England, and 69 per cent in Northern Ireland.

However, the charity says this compassion is being tested. Reports of animal abandonment in Wales rose by 12.5 per cent during the first ten months of 2025, while neglect reports increased by 14 per cent over the same period.

On Wednesday (Jan 1), the RSPCA also revealed that more than 634,000 people visited its website during 2025 to report animal welfare concerns across England and Wales. During the Christmas period alone, between December 24 and 29, there were 7,279 visits.

RSPCA superintendent Simon Osborne said: “Every single day throughout the year, our teams rescue, rehabilitate and rehome hundreds of animals with very special backgrounds and stories of triumph over adversity.

“With the New Year upon us, we’re proud to showcase how animal lovers in Wales have supported us to help so many animals survive in so many situations.

“For more than 200 years, the RSPCA has been working tirelessly to bring animals to safety and give them the expert treatment and compassion they deserve — but we can’t do that without public support. If you care about animals, it’s time to turn that care into action.”

Rescues that defined 2025

Among the many rescues carried out across Wales during the year was the dramatic rescue of a thrush found entangled 40 feet up a tree near Pontypool.

The bird had wire wrapped tightly around its leg and was unable to free itself. RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Kirsty Morgan worked alongside South Wales Fire & Rescue Service to reach the bird using specialist equipment. After veterinary treatment and a night of rest, the thrush was released back into the wild.

A representative from Monmouthshire Housing Association said staff were “thrilled” to see the bird released safely, describing the moment as “heartwarming” as it reunited with another thrush nearby.

In Merthyr Tydfil, a severely underweight 12-week-old Patterdale Terrier puppy was found in Dowlais in June. Weighing just 900 grams and suffering from rickets, mobility problems and a docked tail, the pup was taken for urgent veterinary care.

RSPCA Inspector Gemma Cooper said the puppy — later named Audrey — made a full recovery and has since been rehomed. She said: “After being so small we feared for the worst, but it is wonderful she is doing so well.”

Elsewhere, a badger was rescued after falling four feet down an open manhole near the former Colwyn Bay Civic Office in November. RSPCA Inspector Louise Showering worked with the Clwyd Badger Group to safely remove the animal, which ran off unharmed. The manhole was later secured by the council.

In Caerphilly, a tawny owl was rescued after becoming tangled by its wing in branches above fast-flowing water in Bedwas. The bird was freed with the help of South Wales Fire & Rescue Service, treated by a vet, and later released back into the wild.

One of the most unusual cases involved a puffin named Oona, discovered 110 miles inland in a Herefordshire garden. After specialist rehabilitation at the RSPCA’s West Hatch Wildlife Centre, Oona was returned to West Wales and released back into the sea.

Public urged to act quickly

The RSPCA says early intervention can save lives and is urging members of the public to help trapped animals where it is safe to do so, using guidance available on the charity’s website.

Anyone concerned about an animal’s welfare is advised to report it via the RSPCA’s online reporting system.

More information on the charity’s Big Give Back to Animals appeal can be found on the RSPCA website.

Community

New corporate member joins Narberth & Whitland Rotary

Published

1 hour ago

February 14, 2026

Tom Sinclair

NARBERTH & Whitland Rotary has welcomed its first Corporate Member.

On Wednesday (Feb 11), Stephen Vale, Insurance Broker Manager with Lloyd & Whyte in St Clears, was formally inducted at the club.

The induction ceremony was carried out by South Wales District Governor Ian Hughes, following an introduction by Narberth & Whitland Rotary President Robin Bradbury.

Corporate Membership recognises the increasing emphasis businesses place on corporate social responsibility, enabling companies to give back to their local communities through Rotary’s established structures and projects.

Rotary says corporate membership also offers opportunities for staff development, leadership experience, and involvement in fundraising and volunteering activities that deliver tangible benefits to the community.

Pictured (left to right): South Wales District Governor Ian Hughes, Corporate Member Stephen Vale, and Narberth & Whitland President Robin Bradbury.

Community

Second Milford Haven webcam launched after 1.3m views and US TV feature

Published

4 hours ago

February 14, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Twin live feeds from Herald roof now showcase both marina and Milford Haven Waterway

A SECOND live webcam overlooking Milford Haven has gone live from the roof of 11 Hamilton Terrace — home of The Pembrokeshire Herald — expanding the town’s growing global digital footprint.

The original harbour-facing camera, streamed worldwide via EarthCam, has already clocked up more than 1,300,000 views. It even featured on ABC News in the United States, where the Milford Haven view was broadcast live ahead of a national weather forecast.

That first stream — listed on EarthCam as “Wales Waterway” — looks across Milford Marina and the busy lower reaches of the Haven, capturing ferry departures, commercial shipping, leisure craft and the changing light across the Pembrokeshire skyline.

Now, a second camera has been added, offering a complementary perspective further up the Milford Haven Waterway towards the Cleddau.

A global window on Wales’ largest port

The new feed captures daily activity along the largest port in Wales — from the twice-daily Wales–Ireland ferry sailings to petroleum, oil and gas tankers moving more than 60 million tonnes of cargo each year. Thousands of smaller vessels, from yachts to powerboats, also pass through the Waterway annually.

Together, the two cameras provide twin live perspectives of one of the UK’s most strategically significant maritime corridors.

As dawn broke over Milford Haven this morning, the Waterway lay still beneath a clear sky, the first light spilling across rooftops and masts before stretching out over the wide expanse of the Haven.

From the vantage point of Hamilton Terrace, the scene felt both intimate and expansive — a quiet town waking gently while a major working port prepared for another day of movement and industry.

It is moments like these that help explain the worldwide appeal of the EarthCam streams. Viewers tuning in from across the UK, Europe and North America are not simply watching ships pass; they are witnessing the rhythm of tide and trade, the sweep of weather systems, and the subtle beauty of West Wales unfolding in real time.

From dramatic winter steam plumes rising from power station chimneys to calm summer sunsets over the marina, Milford Haven’s live feeds have become a constantly changing digital canvas.

Watch live

Original harbour view (1.3 million+ views):
https://www.earthcam.com/world/uk/wales/?cam=waleswaterway

New up-the-Waterway view:
https://www.earthcam.com/world/uk/wales/?cam=waleswaterway2

The Herald hopes the second camera will prove just as popular — continuing to put Milford Haven on the global map, one sunrise at a time.

Community

Young people shine at Pembrokeshire Spotlight Awards

Published

1 day ago

February 13, 2026

Tom Sinclair

YOUNG people from across the county were recognised for their courage, talent and community spirit at this year’s Pembrokeshire Spotlight Awards.

The fourth annual celebration, organised by Pembrokeshire Youth, the Children and Young People’s Rights Office and Pembrokeshire County Council Children’s Services, honours children and young people who achieve exceptional things and make a real difference in their communities.

Originally planned for November, the event was postponed due to severe weather but successfully went ahead on Thursday (Feb 6) at the Merlin Theatre, Pembrokeshire College, thanks to support from sponsors BAM Nuttall, Milford Haven Port Authority, Pure West Radio and Ascona Group.

Councillor Marc Tierney, Cabinet Member for Young People, Communities and the Wellbeing of Future Generations, praised those taking part.

He said: “It was a privilege to hear how our young people have triumphed within their own lives and within their communities. Huge thanks go to the organisers and sponsors who made this celebration possible.”

Chair of council Cllr Maureen Bowen added: “The evening was a joy to attend. It highlighted the incredible talent of Pembrokeshire’s young people and gave real hope for the future of the county.”

The ceremony opened with a video message from First Minister Eluned Morgan, who offered her congratulations despite being unable to attend in person.

Award winners

Among those recognised on the night were:

Welsh Language – Emma Nicholas
Fundraising – Ben Stanton (winner); Jack Gray and Milford Haven Youth Council (runners up)
EcoChampion – Tomos Roberts
Achieving Positive Change – Alfie Harper (winner); Amber Allerton and Thomas John
Arts – Dawn Clark (winner); LillieMai Radcliffe and Kali Flux
Education – Yuliia Bedyk and Andrii Volkov (joint winners); Courtney Waugh and Leo Credland
Making a Difference in the Community – Off The Streets Youth Forum (winner); Megan Mathias, Kyra Mottram, Lexi Jenkins and Pembrokeshire Youth Assembly
Most Inspiring Story – Kai Williams (winner); Carly Sharif, Caitlin Griffith and Berat Sahin
Music – Dylan Harwood (winner); Toby Draper and the cast of Bugsy Malone 2025 – Ysgol Harri Tudur
Sports – Samantha Barton (winner); Mary Falconer, Alannah Field and Destiny John
Voice – Young Voices for Choices Youth Forum
Young Leader/Peer Mentor – Caiden Meacham (winner); Amélie Houghton and Brooke Jenkins-McNamara

Overall Spotlight Award

The top honour went to the We Know Our Journey Youth Project, a collaboration between the You Should Know Girls Project and His Path His Journey Boys Project.

The group was recognised for promoting inclusion, challenging harmful attitudes and encouraging open conversations around violence against women and girls, domestic abuse and men’s mental health.

Members organised the countywide “Men Make It Safe” event and raised £1,600 for local mental health and domestic abuse charities through a sea swim and a 10k run involving 24 young participants.

Judges said the project demonstrated the powerful role young people can play in creating positive change.

Thanks and support

Organisers thanked presenters, nominators, performers and supporters, along with staff at Pembrokeshire College and event leads Nadine Farmer, Bethany Roberts, Nicky Edwards and Angie Moore. Businesses including National Grid, Princes Gate, Tan y Castell, Greggs and The Vine also backed the evening.

More information is available via the Children and Young People’s Rights Office social media pages.